Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

Everyone knows how busy and demanding the city of Mumbai is. The life in this commercial capital of India can be really taxing at times and what you would need is an escape from it. Yes, you heard it right! There are weekends when you would like to just elope amidst the beauty of nature and relaxation but time limitations might restrict you from taking those ventures. If you have tried all the outdoor activites in Mumbai here is a list of those weekend getaways near Mumbai where you can achieve that mental peace yet come back to the city within just few hours:

1. Kolad - go river rafting this weekend

Kolad is a favourite haunt for those who like to try some adventurous activities during weekends. This place is famous for river rafting opportunities that take place on Kundalika River. So while you are cuddling with the enormous waves of the water look at the scenic surrounding mountains and get bewitched by them.

Distance from Mumbai: 121 kmsBest time to Visit: June to February

What to See

There is an ancient fort Tala that was built in 4th century.

Don’t forget to see the Kuda Caves, a series of 13 caves carved out of rocks by Buddhists.

Walk down the waterfalls in this region such as Tamhini Falls and Kansai Falls.

Devi Kedar Janani Hills

Bhira Dam

What to do

River rafting, Kayaking, boating, camping and adventure sports such as rappelling, paragliding, and hiking.

3. Khandala & Lonavala - the most popular getaway from Mumbai

Khandala and Lonavala are probably the most famous weekend getaways from Mumbai for families and youngsters alike. These twin hill resorts offer astounding beautiful views along with a local culture that leave its indelible mark on the mind of the visitor. While you visit the city, don’t forget to gorge on different kinds of chikki, a sweet made of groundnuts and jaggery.

Distance from Mumbai: 93 kms Best time to Visit: Monsoons are undoubtedly the best time to visit since the area becomes enshrouded in lush greenery.

What to See:

Korigad Fort, the Tiger’s Leap, the Lohgad, the Karla and Bhaja caves.

Duke’s Nose, a cliff that resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington. This point offers beautiful views of the surrounding.

4. Pawna Lake - the serene landscape

Named after the Pawna Dam that surrounds the lake, this place render exquisite beauty and an escape from an otherwise mundane Mumbai life. Enveloped amidst the Sahyadri Ranges, this place is best for those who love nature, backpackers, campers and others.

Distance from Mumbai: 107 kmsBest Time to Visit: September to March

What to See:

Pawna Dam and Lake

What to Do: Camping, parasailing, kayaking, windsurfing and boating, lakeside bonfire and make your own barbeque.

5. Karjat - the adventure hub for Mumbaikars

Known as the adventure hub near Mumbai, Karjat boasts of adventure sports activities such as river rafting, trekking, hiking and mountain climbing. When you visit this place don’t forget to visit the Art Director Nitin Chandrakant Desai’s ND Studio. Karjat was also the backdrop for the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Several international production houses such as Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney and DreamWorks are setting up their studios here.

Distance from Mumbai: 65 kmsBest Time to Visit: November to February

What to See:

Art Director Nitin Chandrakant Desai’s ND Studio

Beautiful views of the Sahyadri

Karjat is also home to the largest chain of farm houses in Asia

There are several places of interest in and around Karjat such as the Ulhas Valley, BhorGhat, Kondana Caves, Peth Fort etc.

What to Do: Activities such as river rafting, trekking, hiking and mountain climbing.

6. Alibag - beaches at best

Alibag is the famous beach destination near Mumbai that offers a relaxed and serene seascape to offer to its visitors. People who come here take a boatride to the old fort that is supposed to have been built during Shivaji’s time.

Distance from Mumbai: 95 kmsBest time to Visit: November to July

What to See:

Kanakeshwar Devasthan temple and Vikram Vinayak temple.

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

The historic Kulaba Fort

Other beaches of Alibag that include the Versoli Beach, Nagaon Beach, Akshi Beach and Kashid Beach.

The hill fort Sagargad

What to do: Walk upto Kulaba fort when the tide is low, take a boatride towards it, and water activities.

8. Matheran - the quaint British Town

Situated near the Karjat tehsil of Maharashtra, Matheran the most popular weekend getaway near Mumbai oozes a distinct charm of its own. This is Asia’s tiniest hill station whose name means "forest on the forehead". Something that would attract the Mumbaikers here would be that this place is completely no motor zone that renders the purity of air here.

Distance from Mumbai: 83 kms via Sion-Panvel Expy.Best Time to Visit: October to May

What to See:

Stand at the panorama point that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and the Neral town.

9. Lavasa - the modern weekend getaway

Tucked away in Western Ghats, Lavasa is a recently developed hill station that offers beautiful views of the ghats and the mountains from its planned precincts. Located near Varasgaon Dam, this place looks quite modern as well as naturally bestowed.

Distance from Mumbai: 186 kmsBest time to Visit: Throughout the year

What to see

Varasgaon Dam

Lavasa paths, they are quite planned and look beautiful.

A musical fountain and laser animation show takes place here.

Natural trails

What to Do: Walk up its nature trails, jet skiing, kayaking and boating in Lavasa Lake. Adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling and trekking are also available here. You can also play golf here.

10. Igatpuri - the hidden beauty amidst the Western Ghats

Enveloped by Nashik and lush green peaks, Igatpuri is a tiny hill station that looks enamouring during the monsoon season. Very near to Mumbai, this town has become the favourite tourist spot for Mumbaikers.

Distance from Mumbai: 120 kmsBest time to Visit: June to September and November to March

What to See:

DhammaGiri Meditation Centre

Ghatandevi Temple

Bhandardara, Nashik

What to Do: Treks, camping expeditions, rappelling, Ziplining and other activities.

11. Silvassa - Visit the Portuguese past this weekend

Visit Silvassa to get enamoured by the history of Portuguese rule in India. Known asVila de Pacod’Arcos during the Portuguese rule, Silvassa is the capital of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which is a Union Territory of India. In 1885, the Portuguese decided to transfer the administration of Nagar Haveli into it.

Distance from Mumbai: 166kmsBest Time to Visit: November to June

What to See:

Visit the Roman Catholic Church known for its enamouring Portuguee architecture.

Visit the Silvassa Museum to see the exhibits and artefacts of the local history.

12. Diveagar Beach - For an offbeat beach weekend from Mumbai

Diveagar beach gained its share of popularity after thediscovery of a golden mask of the elephant god Ganesha here. Located at one end of the triple Raigad beaches, this beach is a quaint little town that has gained all the trappings of a tourist destination.

Distance from Mumbai to Diveagar Beach: 177 KmBest time to visit: September to March

What to See:

Harihareshwar Beach

Lord Suvarnaganesha Temple

Kalbhairav Temple

What to Do: Water sports and activities.

13. Bhandardara - The Fort beauty

Located near the Pravara River, Bhandarara is a beautiful town that offers a varied number ofwaterfalls, mountains, dams and lakes to view. For Mumbaikers, this place is like a slice of heaven with its quiet surroundings and serene Pravara River that flows in the backdrop. The beauty of this place lies in its historic fortsRatangad and Harishchandragad.

Distance from Mumbai to Bhandardara: 185 KmsBest Time to visit: Mid-September to February

What to See:

Arthur Lake

Randha and Umbrella Falls

Amruteshwar Temple

Ratangarh Fort

Agastya Rishi Ashram

What to Do: Go trekking between Ratangad and Harishchandragad.

14. Karnala - Go Birdwatching around Mumbai

Distance from Mumbai: 48 Kms via Sion-Panvel Expy.Best time to Visit: October to April

Known for Karnala Bird Sanctuary and the Karnala Fort, this town is again a famous weekend destination near Mumbai that promises a relaxed weekend. The Karnala Fort overlooks the Bor Pass, which connects the Konkan coast to the interior districts of Maharashtra. Situated at just distance of about 12 km from Panvel, Karnala is best known for its population of birds and hence attracts a large number of bird lovers and bird watching enthusiasts.

What to See:

Karnala fort

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

What to Do: Go birdwatching in Karnala Bird Sanctuary, watch rare bird species such as Ashy minivet, three toes kingfisher and Malabar Trogon.

15. Saputara - the abode of the serpents

Translated as the abode of serpents, Saputara is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Mumbai, situated in the Dang district of Gujarat. The name has been attributed to it owing to the image of a snake along the banks of the River Sarpagana which is worshipped by adivasis of the region on Holi.

Distance from Mumbai: 248 KmsBest Time to Visit: Mid-March to Mid-November

What to See:

Visit the Artist Village to see Tribal artefacts, Warli paintings and tribal craft objects.

Vansada National Park: It is home to four horned antelopes, giant squirrels, pythons, rusty spotted cats, pangolins, leopards and tigers.

The other highlights of this holiday destination include the Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Ropeway, Gira Falls, the Rose and Step Gardens.

What to Do: There are ropeways, boat clubs, swimming pools, parks and hotels to entertain tourists, shopping at Crafts village, Trekking in Purna Sanctuary.

So which of these places would you like to visit next weekend from Mumbai?